"If we had 'Stras, we'd be up 2-0," one player reportedly told Rosenthal on Tuesday.

The Nationals jumped out to a 1-0 series lead over the Cardinals in their NLDS showdown, but Washington dropped Game 2 on Monday behind a subpar performance by starter Jordan Zimmerman. With the series suddenly tied as it shifted to D.C., the inevitable calls for Strasburg began, but apparently they weren't restricted to the stands and living rooms throughout the nation's capital.

Rosenthal quotes two other unnamed players in his column calling for Strasburg, with one noting that a World Series victory is the only way to stop the controversy surrounding the shutdown.

Strasburg, of course, was shut down by the Nationals after reaching the 159 1/3-inning mark this season, which is something that was long discussed and much debated but always Washington's intention. The move was an effort to limit the wear and tear on Strasburg's arm a year removed from Tommy John surgery.

Despite the Nats sticking to their guns, the debate has continued, and you can bet it will continue until Washington is either celebrating a World Series or agonizing over defeat. After all, Strasburg was fantastic this season, giving the Nationals an ace while they put together the best record in the National League.

"He would have lengthened out our rotation to the point where teams can't stay with us," an unnamed player reportedly told Rosenthal of Strasburg.

The player's analysis is certainly true, but it doesn't mean the Nationals will suddenly reconsider a move that never made much sense to begin with. Strasburg probably isn't grabbing the ball any time soon, regardless of who wants him to.